Purpose: The global age is characterized by demographic changes that challenge the feasibility of democratic states' redistribution mechanisms. This paper aims to rethink the strategies commonly used by states (via their resource allocation to education) to promote social cohesiveness and competitiveness, and to suggest an alternative strategy. The purpose of this paper is to provide useful insights into the relationships between education, social cohesiveness, and competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach: The common strategies utilized to promote social cohesiveness and competitiveness via alternative allocation methods are analyzed and the theories of political philosophies underlying these strategies are discussed. Additionally, an empirical analysis carried out using OLS regressions in order to explore the relationships among a state's future cohesiveness and competitiveness, its SES, and the global demographic changes. Findings: Results reveal that a state's future cohesiveness may be predicted by the demographic diversity of its student population and its interaction with SES. Furthermore, a state's future competitiveness may be predicted by its SES. Originality/value: The paper develops and suggests an alternative allocation mechanism, based on a comparative perspective of justice, as an innovative strategy to achieving both state cohesiveness and competitiveness. This strategy can be used by democratic states aimed at improving future competitiveness and, at the same time, to maintain their social cohesiveness.